in Short
Gulf : exponential growth of trade with Africa
Gulf nations have strengthened their economic ties with Africa, with trade reaching $121 billion in 2023, more than double the $57.7 billion of 2016. African exports to the Gulf have surged, as have imports. Additionally, direct investments exceeded $100 billion between 2012 and 2022, with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar being the main contributors. This trend supports the Gulf’s broader strategy of economic diversification.